05 DIGITAL PRIORITIES: HARNESS THE GOOD, LIMIT THE HARM 35 6. Put children at the centre of digital policy Despite estimates that children account for one third of internet users, current international and national internet policies fail to take sufficient account of children’s distinctive needs and rights. Policies related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, net neutrality and internet openness look first and foremost at the adult user. On the other hand, broader national policies that deal with children’s rights and welfare, health and education have yet to universally embrace the power of digital tech‌nologies to help meet sectoral goals. The State of the World’s Children 2017 calls for the following actions to put children’s rights, views and well-being at the centre of digital policy: Give children and young people a voice in the development of digital policies that affect their lives. Children’s and young people’s distinctive needs, experiences and perspectives should inform digital policy development, and policymakers should engage with institutions and organizations that promote children’s rights and serve the needs of disadvantaged children, and children themselves, to deepen their understanding of these issues. More broadly, government and civil society should encourage children to use digital platforms to share their views with policymakers. Track disparities in, and barriers to, access. To track the impact of internet access on equity and opportunity, it is vital to invest in the collection of data on children’s connectivity. Data should be disaggregated by wealth, geography, gender, age and other factors to spotlight disparities in access and opportunity and to target programmes and monitor progress. Evidence should be used to guide policymaking, monitor and evaluate the impact of government policies and strategies, and support the international sharing of best practices. Integrate child- and gender-specific issues into national policies and strategies. The legitimate needs and concerns of children should be integrated in all policies concerning ICTs and other emerging tech‌nologies such as artificial intelligence. Policies should be guided by international standards and should seek to safeguard children’s rights and guard against discrimination and the restriction of children’s freedoms. Given the chance – and provided with the skills – children will make the most of connectivity. Millions of children around the world are already using the internet to learn, socialize and prepare themselves to take their place as adults in the workplace – and to make their mark upon the world. They are eager for that chance – and they deserve it. It is up to all of us to see that every one of them gets it.